anchorage

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska and a regional hub for commerce, transportation, and culture. It sits in Southcentral Alaska, at the head of Cook Inlet on the western shore of Knik Arm, with the Chugach Mountains to the east and distant peaks visible on clear days.

The area has long been inhabited by the Dena’ina people. European contact increased in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the Alaska Railroad established Anchorage as a transportation and supply center in the early 20th century. The city was incorporated in 1920 and grew rapidly with infrastructure development, government offices, and nearby oil activity.

Anchorage is a regional transportation hub. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport handles large cargo and passenger traffic, and the Port of Anchorage serves maritime freight. The economy includes oil and gas, federal and state government, and a substantial military presence at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, along with tourism and services.

As of the 2020 census, about 291,000 people lived in the city, making it the most populous in the state. The population is diverse, and cultural institutions include the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

Anchorage has a subarctic marine climate with cool, wet winters and mild summers for its latitude. Precipitation is common throughout the year, and winter temperatures are moderated by proximity to the Pacific Ocean while daylight varies dramatically across seasons.